Modularly structured endoscope

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a modularly structured endoscope with an interchangeable image transmission unit and an endoscope casing which includes the optical fiber system. Due to the modular design, the light transmission unit can be repaired independently of the image transmission unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modularly structured endoscope with an interchangeable image transmission system, as well as processes for its production.

[0002] The use of highly sensitive optical instruments, like endoscopes, requires specific training for the handling of the instrument. If such an instrument is handled inexpertly or is mechanically overused, this may result in a partial or total failure of the optical components or of the entire system. In such a case, the whole instrument must be repaired properly.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these difficulties, and provide easy-to-handle components, so even a non-expert can carry out the repair, thus enabling the quick reusability of the instrument within just a few minutes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention refers to a modularly structured endoscope containing a self-encapsulated image transmission system, which is fed with the necessary illumination for the image recording via an independent optical fiber system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the optical fiber system of the modularly structure endoscope embodying the invention;

[0006]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical image transmission system of the modularly structured endoscope embodying the invention; and

[0007]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the transparent part of the distal end of the endoscope tube with the light ring, viewing disk and metal ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to endoscopes and to the handling, servicing and repair of an entire endoscope system, as well as its resistance to aggressive media like germicides and mechanical overuse.

[0009] The endoscope (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is made up of two main systems: the image transmission unit 1 and the endoscope casing including the optical fiber system 2, hereinafter called the light transmission unit 2. The endoscope has an interchangeable, closed image transmission unit 1 which can be opened and sealed through a sealing mechanism. Due to the modular design, the light transmission unit 2 can be repaired independently of the image transmission unit 1. If one of the units is damaged, the endoscope system will again be ready for operation within a few minutes by exchanging the damaged part.

[0010] According to the invention, this benefit is achieved because the image transmission unit 1 is entirely encapsulated and forms an independent modular unit. The encapsulation results from an interlocking, material-bonding, as well as non-positive connection. The independent light transmission unit 2 is completely sealed off at the distal end of the endoscope by a protective screen 5.

[0011] The optical system for image transmission 1, as well as the optical fiber system 2 for illumination, are located inside of the endoscope and have no contact with body fluids and germicides. The ocular side 11 is sealed off by a material-bonding connection, as well as by a sealing unit. All material-bonding glued joints of the image transmission system 1 and the light transmission system 2 have no contact with their environment. In order to avoid scattered light from the optical fiber system during decoupling, the protective screen 5 at the distal end of the endoscope is constructed in two parts (see FIG. 3). The separation between the two protective screen parts 6 and 7, is achieved by means of a layer, or a tubular ring 12. The layer, or the tubular ring 12 are opaque to the visible range of light. In order to avoid reflections on the inside, between the optical system and the protective screen, the transmission of light and images can be improved through a fluid medium.

[0012] The transparent parts 6 and/or 7 can be made of glass, sapphire, or glass and sapphire. Further, the opaque means (ring and tubular layer 12) is preferably a metal material.

[0013] The endoscopic tube 10 is a metal material having the following desired characteristics: a tough hard consistency; shape memory; increased surface hardness and scratch resistance. These properties can be obtained by means of ion implantation.

[0014] The fixation or assembly system inside the endoscope is achieved through interlocking and is maintained by means of a mechanical latch.

[0015] The above-described endoscope can be utilized as a commercial endoscope for minimally invasive surgery and diagnostics or as a technical endoscope in industrial applications.

[0016] The present invention can further be adapted or modified by a person skilled in the art and the scope of the invention is only limited by the claims set forth below. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modularly structured endoscope, comprising an interchangeable optical image transmission system, an optical fiber system, a sealing unit and an eyepiece.
 2. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the image transmission system is encapsulated and protected from environment influences like humidity and dust.
 3. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the image transmission system and the endoscope casing with the optical fiber system have complete functionality for image transmission and/or light transmission and they are randomly interchangeable.
 4. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein interlocking connections for the modularly structured endoscope which are made through glued joints, are protected against body fluids and germicides by the sealing unit.
 5. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the endoscope's distal end opposite the eyepiece protects the optical image transmission system and the optical fiber system against environmental influences by means of a protective screen.
 6. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 5 , wherein the protective screen at the endoscope's distal end comprises two transparent parts, selected from a glass, a sapphire, or a glass and sapphire.
 7. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 5 , wherein the protective screen at the distal end of the endoscope has an opaque layer between a light transmission surface and an image transmission surface.
 8. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 5 , wherein the protective screen at the distal end of the endoscope has an opaque metal layer, the opaque metal layer is a metal ring.
 9. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising an endoscope tube made of metal, the metal having a tough-hard consistency to keep shape of the tube.
 10. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising an endoscope tube made of metal, the metal has an increased surface hardness, preventing scratching or damaging of the endoscope tube.
 11. The modularly structured endoscope according to claim 1 , further comprising an endoscope tube made of metal, the metal has an increased surface hardness, preventing scratching or damaging of the endoscope tube, the surface hardness of the metal is achieved by means of ion implantation. 